The Proof That We Are Christ's
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"Now if any man has not the Spirit of Christ—he is none of his" Romans 8:9
When we think of eternity and its unchangeable realities, we feel as if we could not be too sure of a saving interest in its glories, and preparation for its employments and enjoyments. Many, it is to be feared, are deceived, being too easily satisfied. They, because they have had some convictions of sin and some impression of divine things, take it for granted that they are Christians. Such make a profession of Christ, attend to gospel ordinances, quiet their consciences by the performance of some religious duties, and persuade themselves that they are safe for eternity. But, alas! in them the great thing is lacking; as the apostle, having spoken of the Romans being in the Spirit, and having the Spirit of God dwelling in them, adds, "Now if any man has not the Spirit of Christ—he is none of his" (Romans 8:9).
Some Wish To Be Considered Christ's. That he has a people peculiarly his own, whom he has chosen for himself, redeemed from among men, and peculiarly privileged, is plain. It is no wonder, therefore, that some wish to be considered Christ's, who are not. Yet it is great folly, for their pretensions will one day be exposed, and their profession will be condemned.
"He taught his disciples" Mark 9:31. Those who are really Christ's, are called His disciples, because they are brought, in a child-like, docile spirit, to sit down at His feet and receive His words. From Him—they learn all their theology. On spiritual subjects—they know no more than He teaches them. They receive what He teaches, not because they understand, approve, or admire it—but simply on the ground of His authority. They, as little children, receive the doctrines which He teaches, and embrace the precepts which He gives. His knowledge—is their library, His example—is their rule, and His will—is their law. They not only receive—but retain and hold fast His Word; as he said, "If you continue in My Word—then are you My disciples indeed!" John 8:31
Those who are Christ's, are his servants, for their knowledge is to be reduced to practice. They not only hear—but do the things which he teaches. In his world or in his Church he finds work for all who profess his name; and he expects them to work for him, and out of love to him. To the flesh, the work he appoints to be done is very often trying, and calls for much self-denial. But if he commands, his servants must obey; for without obedience, the claim to be considered his will never be admitted. Hear his own words: "Why call you me Lord, Lord, and do not the things that I say?" As if he had said, 'Do my will, obey my commands, and copy my example, in keeping my Father's commandments, and I will acknowledge you as mine.'
Without a practical conformity to the will of Christ, we cannot establish a claim to be considered the disciples or servants of Christ.
Those who are Christ's are his brethren, for they have the same nature, and belong to the same family. Hence we read, "For both he who sanctifies, and those who are sanctified, are all of one; for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren." He was not ashamed when he dwelt among them; as he, stretching forth his hand toward his disciples, said, "Behold my mother and my brethren! For whoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother." So also, after his resurrection, he said, "Go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God."
Oh, blessed relation to Jesus! oh, glorious connection with him! Jesus and his people are not only of one nature—but they form one family. All who believe on him, and lovingly obey him, are recognized by him as his brethren. But, nearer still, they who are Christ's—are his bride—are taken into the nearest, dearest, and most lasting union possible. Believers are married to Christ, and are bound to submit their wills to Christ, and to leave him to dispose of their persons and services as he pleases.
The Church is subject to Christ in everything; and as is the body, so is every individual member of that body. The Church shares with Christ in all his afflictions, in all his wealth, and in all his honours. Do we wonder, then, that some claim to be considered Christ's—who are not? But without a knowledge of Christ's person, without a full trust in Christ's work, without habitual communion with him, without a practical conformity to him—the claim will not be allowed.
Those who are Christ's, are entitled to all the promises of his Word. These are many, exceeding great, and very precious. They embrace all that God has to bestow, they secure all the Christian can possibly need. They were made to exhibit the richest grace, they are confirmed in the most solemn manner, and they are sure to all the covenant seed. They not only provide for all the vicissitudes of time—but they embrace all that can be possessed or enjoyed in eternity. All God can consistently give to us, all that Christ could procure for us, and all that can be conferred by the Holy Spirit upon us—is made over to believers in God's precious promises.
They who are Christ's are entitled to all the provisions of his house. For them the great feast, the feast of fat things, is made; for them the wedding-garment is provided; for them the cleansing fountain is opened; for them the holy ordinances were instituted; and for them the high and holy communion with God was ordained. The songs of saints, the service of angels, the flesh and blood of the Son of God, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to see the goings of our God and our King in the sanctuary—are all for them. All on earth that can bring foretastes of heaven, or prepare us for heaven—is for those who are Christ's.
They who are Christ's are entitled to all the prospects of his chosen ones. For them a glorious paradise will bloom; for them the pure river of the water of life will flow; for them the tree of life will bear its twelve manner of fruits; for them the hidden manna is kept in store; for them the holy city will descend out of heaven from God; for them the many mansions are provided; for them Jesus has gone to prepare a place. They have in prospect the enjoyment of perpetual health, the possession of perfect holiness, the realization of the highest happiness, and the being invested with the greatest honour! To be with Christ, to be like Christ, and to enjoy the presence of Christ in all his glory—are the prospect of God's chosen.
The Possession of the Spirit of Christ—Is Necessary to Establish Our Claim to Be Considered Christ's. "Now if any man has not the Spirit of Christ—he is none of his." He may, like the foolish virgins, profess Christ, take the lamp, go forth to meet the Bridegroom, never go back again into the world—and yet not really be Christ's. How solemn is this! Yes, men may be enlightened—and not quickened; they may taste the good word of God—and not feed on the bread of life; they may feel the powers of the world to come—and not be created anew in Christ Jesus; they may possess the Spirit in his gifts—and yet, not having his grace, may never bring forth his fruits.
Paul's criterion is, "having the Spirit of Christ"—no matter what a man has, if he has not this, "he is none of his." By "the Spirit of Christ" here, we do not understand the temper or disposition of Christ—but the Holy and Eternal Spirit, of which Paul had been speaking before—that Spirit which inspired the holy prophets to write of Christ, and which Jesus promised to send into the world.
This divine agent, as the Spirit of Christ—always convinces the soul of its need of Christ. Many have been convinced of sin, and have been made uneasy about sin—who have never really and distinctly felt their need of Christ. Now, the Spirit of Christ not only convinces of sin in general—but reveals Christ to the mind, and shows that the lack of faith in Christ, is a sin. He sets forth Christ as exactly adapted to the sinner, shows that Christ is the one thing needed by the sinner, awakens an unconquerable desire after Christ, nor will he allow the soul to rest until it has closed with Christ.
The Spirit of Christ—always leads to the cross of Christ. He will not allow the soul to stop at, or rest in, sacraments, ceremonies, or any duties it may perform. He points to the cross. He leads to the cross. He fixes the sinner's eye upon the cross. He brings peace to the soul through the cross. He dedicates and devotes the sinner to God's service at the cross. Everyone who has the Spirit of Christ—knows something of the worth, virtue, and efficacy of the cross of Christ.
The Spirit of Christ always conforms to the image of Christ. Christ is the model after which the Spirit works; and by the word and ordinances, by providence and his own inward operations—he stamps the likeness of Christ upon the soul. He fixes the eye on Jesus, who, as a mirror, represents and sets forth the glory of God; and by looking at Jesus—a divine transformation takes place, and we are changed into the same image, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
The Spirit of Christ always consecrates to the service of Christ. Where the Spirit of Christ is, there is spirituality, there is activity—spiritual activity for God. To possess Christ is the soul's first aim; to profess Christ is its next; and to serve, honour, and glorify Christ, is its aim ever after.
Unless, therefore, we have been taught our need of Christ as a Saviour; unless we have been led to the cross of Christ to seek salvation there; unless we are in some degree conformed to Christ, and are daily seeking more conformity; and unless we are consecrated to the service of Christ, we have not the Spirit of Christ;—and if we have not the Spirit of Christ, we are "none of his."
The Spirit of Christ in a believer—is a Spirit of life, which quickens him from a death in sin, and keeps him alive ever after, so that he lives a life of faith upon the Son of God.
He is also a Spirit of love, shedding abroad the love of God, constraining the soul by the love of Christ, and making it a loving soul.
He is the source of charity to others; and you know, let a man have what he may, if he has not charity—he is nothing.
He is also a Spirit of liberality, so that the soul is willing to give anything to Christ, or part with anything for Christ. The Christian, therefore, relieves Christ in his members, and gives to Christ in his cause. To all such, therefore, He will say, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." Matthew 25:34-36
He is also a Spirit of liberty, leading from:
the bondage of the law,
the vassalage of the world,
and the hard service of Satan,
and enabling us to serve God in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. He gives us liberty to approach God, to worship God, to serve God, and to enjoy God.
He is a lamb-like Spirit, producing patience, meekness, gentleness, goodness, and usefulness, in all in whom he dwells.
If, therefore, we have the Spirit of Christ, we have the life of God within us; the grace of love is manifested by us; generous liberality appears in us; holy liberty is enjoyed by us; and the lamb, not the wolf, represents us;—but if we have not the Spirit of Christ, we are "none of his."
Christ will not own all who lay claim to him—this he expressly tells us: "Many will say unto me in that day: Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name, and in your name done many wonderful works? Then will I profess unto them: I never knew you; depart from me, you who work iniquity!" It is not wonderful works—but holy works, that prove us to be Christ's; and where these are not, he will say, "I never approved of you."
Unfounded confidence is dangerous. Faith in Christ is a precious grace. Confidence in God is both a duty and a privilege. But confidence in the goodness of one's state—is not always safe. It is to be feared that many imagine themselves to be Christians, who are not. They think they are Christ's—but they have not his Spirit. Self-examination is therefore necessary. We ought not to be always questioning our state; but we ought thoroughly to investigate it, and make sure upon good grounds that it is safe, and then go forward in the Lord's work and way.
But there are times when examination into the ground of our hope and the foundation of our assurance is necessary; therefore let it not be neglected.
The Spirit of Christ—is the great proof that we are Christ's. There may be much feeling, a moral reformation, and a profession of religion—without this. But if we have the Spirit of Christ, our thoughts will be engaged with him, our hearts will be going out to him, and we shall at times long to depart, that we may be with him, and see him as he is. The Spirit of Christ always renders Christ precious, and produces the highest possible esteem of him. The Spirit of Christ always makes its possessor like Christ. Not perfectly, here—yet he kindles and keeps alive a desire for perfect likeness. This is the great, the grand, the habitual aim of the soul, always and everywhere, to be like Christ. This would satisfy it in the absence of all besides—but nothing else would ever quiet its craving, or give it full satisfaction in the absence of this!
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